Honduran ex-president extradited to US to face drug trafficking charges in New York

Honduras’ former President Juan Orlando Hernández, who left workplace in January, was extradited to the U.S. Thursday to face drug trafficking prices in New York. 

Hernández is accused of working a “narco-state” throughout his eight years in workplace and pocketing hundreds of thousands of {dollars} from drug cartels.  

U.S. prosecutors allege Hernández participated in a “corrupt and violent drug-trafficking conspiracy” that moved greater than 550 tons of cocaine to the US. 

U.S. Legal professional Common Merrick Garland stated the previous chief, who the U.S. as soon as touted as an ally within the battle on drug trafficking, “abused his energy” whereas president. 

He’s accused of permitting cartels to function within the nation with “digital impunity,” Garland stated, and utilizing the cash to finance his political campaigns and take part in voter fraud. 

“We allege that Hernández corrupted professional public establishments within the nation — together with elements of the nationwide police, navy and nationwide Congress,” Garland stated. 

He added, “Drug trafficking fuels violent crime and dependancy; it devastates households, and it ravages communities. The Justice Division is dedicated to disrupting the whole ecosystem of drug trafficking networks that hurt the American folks, irrespective of how far or how excessive we should go.”

A STUNNING FALL FOR EX-HONDURAN PRESIDENT, ARRESTED AT THE REQUEST OF THE US FOR DRUG TRAFFICKING

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez, middle, sporting a blue protecting face masks and handcuffed, is escorted beneath heavy guard to a ready plane on the Air Drive base in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Thursday, April 21, 2022. 
(AP Picture/Elmer Martinez)

The previous chief was succeeded by Xiomara Castro in January, who ran an anti-corruption marketing campaign, particularly focusing on Hernández, who took workplace in 2014.

Hernández was charged with taking part in a drug trafficking conspiracy, possession of machine weapons and damaging units and conspiracy to own machine weapons and damaging units.

A bunch of Hondurans had been seen celebrating outdoors the airport because the aircraft taking Hernández to the U.S. took off on Thursday. Many voters left the nation throughout his presidency, accusing him of corruption, lack of job alternatives and complaining of rampant gang violence in Honduras. 

Honduras’ Supreme Courtroom denied Hernández’s enchantment this week after a decide determined in favor of extradition. He has denied all the costs in opposition to him, claiming he is the sufferer of drug traffickers he extradited throughout his presidency – and who subsequently testified in opposition to him – in search of revenge. 

BIDEN ADMIN REVEALS EX-HONDURAN LEADER ON LIST OF CORRUPT CENTRAL AMERICAN OFFICIALS

Legal professional Common Merrick Garland and Anne Milgram, administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration, announce the extradition and unsealing of an indictment charging former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez with taking part in a cocaine-importation conspiracy and associated firearms offenses, on the Division of Justice on Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Washington.
(Win McNamee/Pool through AP)

Hernández was arrested at his residence in Tegucigalpa in February on the request of U.S. authorities. He arrived in New York in a single day Thursday, in keeping with experiences on social media. 

Final yr, his brother Tony Hernández, a former Honduran congressman, was sentenced to life in jail within the Southern District of New York for drug trafficking, the identical court docket the place the previous president faces prices.

On Wednesday, Honduras’ Supreme Courtroom additionally denied an enchantment from the previous chief of the Nationwide Police, Juan Carlos Bonilla Valladares, higher referred to as “El Tigre” or “The Tiger.” He was arrested on the request of U.S. prosecutors on related prices and is anticipated to be extradited within the coming weeks.

The Related Press contributed to this report.